Infiniti plans to shake up EV market with luxury zero-emission car

In the last couple of years, mass-market carmakers have begun to offer affordable electrically-powered cars fit for practical everyday use. The Vauxhall Ampera, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, both released in the UK in 2011, showcased the ever-growing capabilities of zero-emissions vehicles, with extended ranges of up to hundred miles and shorter charging times making them suitable for many, if not most commuting trips or leisure journeys. The current UK government grant of £5,000 to electric car buyers makes the option of a battery-powered vehicle still more appealing.

Now Infiniti have announced plans to launch a brand-new electric car, hoping to combine the minimal running costs and environmental credentials of electric cars with their appeal as a purveyor of premium-quality luxury vehicles. The new Infiniti car will be based on the LE Concept, which the manufacturer displayed at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012.

The four-door saloon will feature the trademark Infiniti design cues of a high rear deck and a double-arch grille, with a charging port located beneath an illuminated Infiniti crest. A rear diffuser, spoilers at the front and fins at the side give the vehicle a drag coefficient of just 0.25, and emphasise the performance and luxury of the car as well as its energy efficiency.

Power comes from an electric motor providing 134hp and maximum torque of 325Nm. Range is believed to be around 100 miles; it is also rumoured that the vehicle will feature “inductive charging”. The Infiniti EV will be the first production car ever to carry this technology, which uses wireless technology enabling drivers to charge up their vehicle without electric cables.

The final version of Infiniti’s new electric car is expected to be available in the autumn. As the first luxury zero-emissions vehicle, it can be expected to fill a presently unoccupied niche in the automotive market. You might also want to read about Additional 2014 Infiniti Q50 and Q60 features being unveiled, or see other Infiniti news.